Cultural tour: with excursions
5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
5 meals
included
Flights
available
City extension
10% OFF THIS TRIP - Terms Apply
This self drive 6 day journey through Iceland's South Coast unveils a land where fire and ice shape every horizon: from steaming lava fields and roaring waterfalls to glacial lagoons and black sand beaches, this remarkable region offers a dramatic display of nature's artistry and raw power.
There's no better introduction to Iceland than the Blue Lagoon, a world renowned geothermal oasis set amid an ancient lava field. Here, milky blue waters rich in minerals shimmer against the rugged volcanic backdrop while rising steam curls into the crisp Nordic air, a serene contrast of warmth and wilderness.
The adventure continues along the famed Golden Circle, where Thingvellir National Park reveals the great rift between two tectonic plates, the Geysir Geothermal Area bursts with life and colour as boiling water surges skyward and the magnificent Gullfoss Waterfall cascades into a mist filled canyon which is often crowned with rainbows.
Further south, the landscape transforms into a spectacle of contrasts. The thundering waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss tumble into emerald valleys, while the black sands of Vik and Reynisfjara, framed by towering basalt columns, stand as a testament to Iceland's volcanic origins. Glaciers glisten at Solheimajokull and at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, drifting icebergs float calmly towards the sea, reflecting the ever changing light in shades of blue and silver.
This journey through Iceland's South Coast reveals a world both untamed and breathtakingly beautiful, an unforgettable encounter with nature at its most elemental and inspiring.
TERRAIN
Sólheimajökull glacier hike - The whole tour is 2.5 to 3 hours, including introduction and safety briefing. Time on the glacier itself is 1-1.5 hours. The hike is considered easy – moderate. Equipment provided is glacier crampons, harness, helmet and an ice axe. You should be wearing sturdy hiking boots for this activity.
Arrive in Reykjavik and collect your hire car. Drive to your first hotel in Reykjavik City. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to either explore the lively city of Reykjavik or visit the Blue Lagoon. Should you arrive later in the day, we recommend visiting the Blue Lagoon on your second day.
The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most famous attractions; set in a dramatic lava field, it's Iceland's iconic geothermal spa. Its milky blue, mineral rich waters soothe and rejuvenate, while silica and algae nourish the skin. With saunas, steam rooms and in water treatments, you can relax and unwind, surrounded by stunning volcanic scenery for an unforgettable experience.
You stay at Klettur Hotel.
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Safe
Set along the quieter edges of Reykjavík’s vibrant city centre, Klettur Hotel offers a cosy, contemporary retreat in the heart of Iceland’s capital. Inspired by the island’s dramatic landscapes and folklore, the hotel blends modern comfort with subtle Icelandic charm, perfectly placed for discovering the capital.
As you travel towards Hella, pause at the tranquil Blue Lagoon, its milky waters offering a soothing start to the day if you missed it on day one. Take the scenic Golden Circle, a 230km route showcasing Iceland's natural wonders. At Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stand between two continents where crystal glacial waters shimmer below. Continue to the Geysir Geothermal Area, where bubbling pools and the Strokkur geyser erupt dramatically every few minutes and conclude your journey at the breathtaking Gullfoss Waterfall, where glacial water plunges 32 metres in a powerful cascade, often creating vivid rainbows in the mist, a fitting finale to Iceland's magnificent landscapes.
You stay at Laekur Hotel.
ShopsHairdryerWiFiTV
Set amid the wide open landscapes of South Iceland, Laekur Hotel offers a cosy countryside retreat near Hella. Surrounded by sweeping fields and mountain views, it blends rustic charm with modern comfort, perfectly placed for exploring the Golden Circle, black sand beaches and the South Coast.
Discover the dramatic beauty of Iceland's South Coast, where waterfalls, glaciers and black beaches shape a landscape like no other. Begin at Seljalandsfoss, a graceful cascade you can walk behind for an unforgettable view through its shimmering curtain of water. Continue to Skogafoss, one of Iceland's most powerful waterfalls, where sunlight often paints rainbows in the mist. Journey onward to the coastal village of Vik and the nearby Reynisfjara Beach, its jet-black sands and towering basalt columns framed by crashing Atlantic waves. Conclude your adventure with a guided Glacier Walk on Solheimajokull, stepping across glistening ice, deep crevasses and sculpted formations that reveal the awe inspiring power of Iceland's frozen wilderness.
You stay at Klaustur Hotel.
HairdryerWiFiTV
Tea/coffee
Set in the tranquil landscapes of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Klaustur Hotel offers a peaceful retreat on Iceland’s South Coast. Surrounded by moss covered lava fields and distant mountains, it blends modern comfort with natural charm, perfectly placed for exploring Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, Vatnajökull National Park and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
Travel east from Kirkjubajarklaustur along one of Iceland's most scenic routes where moss-covered lava fields, sweeping plains and distant glaciers create an ever changing panorama. The journey culminates at the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a shimmering expanse where icebergs calve from the mighty Breioamerkurjokull Glacier and drift gracefully across the water. Many of these icy sculptures wash ashore on Diamond Beach, glinting like jewels against the black volcanic sand. Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline or join a boat tour to glide among the icebergs and spot playful seals, making for a truly unforgettable encounter with the raw majestic beauty of Iceland's South Coast.
You stay at Klaustur Hotel.
HairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
Set in the tranquil landscapes of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Klaustur Hotel offers a peaceful retreat on Iceland’s South Coast. Surrounded by moss covered lava fields and distant mountains, it blends modern comfort with natural charm, perfectly placed for exploring Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, Vatnajökull National Park and the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon.
Travelling from Kirkjubajarklaustur back to Reykjavik, the route is filled with hidden gems and captivating landscapes. You have the option to stop at Fjaorargljufur Canyon, a winding, moss-covered gorge sculpted by glacial waters over millennia. Continue west to the vast Eldhraun Lava Field - one of the largest in the world and formed by an 18th-century volcanic eruption. You could pause at the secluded Kvernufoss Waterfall near Skogar, a serene cascade tucked into a narrow gorge, before visiting the Lava Centre in Hvolsvollur, an interactive museum offering fascinating insights into Iceland's volcanic and tectonic forces - a perfect finale to your South Coast journey.
You stay at Klettur Hotel.
HairdryerWiFiTVMinibarSafe
Set along the quieter edges of Reykjavík’s vibrant city centre, Klettur Hotel offers a cosy, contemporary retreat in the heart of Iceland’s capital. Inspired by the island’s dramatic landscapes and folklore, the hotel blends modern comfort with subtle Icelandic charm, perfectly placed for discovering the capital.
Drive back to Reykjavik airport and return your hire car.
These tour prices are per person, based on two people sharing.
Single supplement from £385.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into your destination. Transfers from the airport are included in the basic Tour Only price above.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices fluctuate significantly and can change rapidly. At Headwater, we offer competitively priced flights with built-in flight protection for your peace of mind. For more details, please click here.
Cultural tour: with excursions
5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
5 meals
included
Flights
available
City extension
